epa07015578 Canadian rider Michael Woods, of Education First team, celebrates on the podium after winning the 17th stage of the 2018 La Vuelta cycling tour, over 157 km from Getxo to Mount Oiz, Basque Country, northern Spain, 12 September 2018. EPA/Manuel Bruque

BALCON DE BIZKAIA, Spain – Canada’s Michael Woods earned an emotional victory in the 17th stage of the Spanish Vuelta.

The Ottawa cyclist outlasted the field in a 157-kilometre (97.5-mile) stage that finished with a tough climb up Balcon de Bizkaia in Basque Country, and then dedicated the win to his stillborn son, who died this year when his wife was 37 weeks pregnant.

Woods crossed the line five seconds in front of Dylan Teuns and 10 seconds ahead of David de la Cruz.

“It’s a special moment for me. I was very moved on the finish line,” the 31-year-old Woods said. “My coach was in the car and in the final 500 metres (yards) he told me on the radio to think about my family.”

Woods said that his wife also lost her father a month ago.

“It’s been a very hard year,” he said. “I was cracked on the finish line. I tried to stay calm, I tried to think of my family and to think of my little Hunter as an inspiration.”

This was the first stage win at a Grand Tour race for the rider from team Education First-Drapac.

Woods is the second Canadian in history to win a Spanish Vuelta stage. Ryder Hesjedal of Victoria won stages in 2009 and 2014.

Woods is 35th overall in the event.

Canadian rider Michael Woods, of Education First team, reacts after winning the 17th stage of the 2018 La Vuelta cycling tour, over 157 km from Getxo to Mount Oiz, Basque Country, northern Spain, 12 September 2018.

EPA/Manuel Bruque

Meanwhile, Simon Yates lost a few seconds of his Spanish Vuelta lead.

Yates’ gap to Alejandro Valverde was cut from 33 seconds to 25 seconds after a solid climb by the veteran Spaniard.

Enric Mas also had a good run and moved up to third place overall, 1 minute, 22 seconds behind Yates.

“There’s still a lot of racing to come, hard stages ahead. The gaps are still small behind me,” Yates said. “Nobody really attacked in the climb. There’s no shame in losing a few seconds to Valverde and Mas in such a finale. I truly believe Andorran stages are much better for me. Of the stages left, this is the one I feared most. I know Andorra very well and I think the climbs suit me very well.”